Project

Texas has numerous aquifers capable of producing groundwater for households, municipalities, industry, farms, and ranches. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recognizes 9 major aquifers − aquifers that produce large amounts of water over large areas (see major aquifers map) − and 21 minor aquifers − aquifers that produce minor amounts of water over large areas or large amounts of water over small areas (see minor aquifers map).

In light of our tremendous economic and population growth, Central Texas is fortunate to have extensive and viable groundwater resources – in fact, groundwater under Bastrop and Lee Counties alone amounts to 9 times the total volume that can be stored in all major reservoirs in Texas combined. Tapping into this massive groundwater network for distribution throughout the region will help diversify our water supply – one of the key components identified by the Lower Colorado River Authority in its Water Supply Resource Plan for securing our future water needs.

Recharge is working with landowners and community stakeholders to develop strategies to tap the expansive Simsboro Aquifer, which has a vast amount of accessible, good quality water. To preemptively address Central Texas’ massive growth and increased need for water resources, in July 2007, End Op (parent company of Recharge) applied for several permits at the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District seeking to pump and export water from the Simsboro. These permits were approved by a 7-1 vote on September 6, 2016.